Seloon Baslomo Khumro M’Aliyo

Go Now In Peace Holy Father

by Mar Meletius Yuhanon, Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas with Metropolitans
 of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church - 1998 March.
 From Left to Right: 
Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Milithios of Thrissur Diocese, 
Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasios of Kandanad 
East Diocese, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 
 Metropolitan Dr. Abraham Mar Severios of Angamaly 
East Diocese (Resigned June 2005),
Metropolitan Dr.Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Northeast America

I am deeply saddened by the eternal rest received by His Holiness Ignatius Zaka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syriac Orthodox Church. I was the reception committee secretary of Ankamali diocese when HH made the first ever visit to India in 1982. I did my MTh in Bangalore and ThM and PhD qualifying in USA with HH’s recommendation. I did my one year Syriac study in Damascus with HH’s invitation and during part of that period I lived in the Patriarchate while I was still a deacon and assisted HH in the office work with Rev. Fr. Kuriakose (later HG Kuriakose Mar Julius Metropolitan). I found a loving, caring and down to earth person in HH. HH elevated me as mok on 22nd Dec. 1990 and consecrated me as Metropolitan on Dec. 23rd 1990. I was given several responsibilities until the time we had to part. When the order of the Supreme Court was given on Church case, HH personally promised me twice that peace and unity will be established in Malankara Church with HH’s initiative. HH asked me to prepare the people to work for the same, which I earnestly did, and promised me that HH would be with me in every step. HH’s Kalpana No.75/95 of August 1st 1995 was a historic one and the second and third ones were even more important in that line. Was it not for the immense pressure from certain people in India who wanted to keep the Church divided and make benefit out of it, HH would have established peace in the Church. Putting trust in HH’s promise I went ahead and worked for the peace and unity in the Church. I was terribly disturbed and disillusioned by the sudden change of mind of HH. But I had to continue the mission HH had entrusted me with and I am glad I did not pull out myself. Even while I called HH over phone HH repeated the promise. I wanted HH to be honored by a united Church. But I am sorry that I had to see HH as head of part of a divided Church and small group with a leadership that many a time trying to establish and widen their horizon and power through anti-social and criminal activities. HH told many people that HH loved me very much. I pay my homage before HH’s memory and stand before God Almighty asking for HH’s eternal rest. As if to compensate the people I lost in my diocese to the so called supporters of HH in India I got a fine community who hail from Syria who were under the Patriarch and left the fold due to the unethical conduct of HH’s bishop in California.

22 Mar 2014

Yuhanon Mor Meletius' Space